High-Stakes Christmas Looms As Surging Toy Demand Meets Supply-Chain Snarls

CHICAGO/LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – With demand for toys at an all-time high, U.S. suppliers and retailers are racing to outrun severe air, sea and land shipping snarls so Santa has a mountain of dolls, scooters and video game consoles to deliver at Christmas. The holidays account for a major chunk of the toy industry’s nearly $33 billion annual sales, and LEGO blocks, MGA Entertainment’s L.O.L. Surprise dolls, Mattel’s Barbies and Sony’s PlayStation game consoles were among top sellers last year.-- More...